The 2026 West End State Squad has been announced, and it's a team brimming with potential, ready to take on the WAFL in Perth. But what makes this squad truly fascinating is the blend of experience and fresh talent, with a strong focus on early-season form. Personally, I think this team has the makings of a formidable force, and I'm eager to see how they fare against the WAFL.
A Squad of Contenders
The West End State Squad is a 32-player strong lineup, with a clear emphasis on depth and versatility. Coming off a close loss to the Big V, coach Marty Mattner will be keen to see his team respond and reclaim the Haydn Bunton Junior Cup. What makes this particularly interesting is the mix of established players and rising stars. The squad includes 13 debutants, with a strong focus on players from the SANFL and WAFL, adding a layer of local flavor to the team.
One thing that immediately stands out is the presence of red-hot Woodville-West Torrens ball magnet Ted Clohesy and his hard-running teammate Kade Herbert. These two, along with the North Adelaide pair Angus Schumacher and Oliver Francou, and 2024 Sandover Medallist Nik Rokahr, are eye-catching talents battling for midfield spots. Their inclusion adds a dynamic and energetic element to the squad, which is crucial for any team looking to make an impact.
AFL Experience and Rebound Potential
The squad also boasts a solid core of AFL-experienced players, such as former Crow Patrick Parnell and Bulldog Josh Fahey, who provide valuable rebound potential off half-back. This is a key area where the team can really shine, with their ability to transition the ball quickly and effectively. What many people don't realize is that this blend of AFL experience and local talent can create a unique and powerful dynamic, where the team can leverage the skills of both groups to their advantage.
Local Flavor and Leadership
The squad is a true representation of the SANFL, with Norwood leading the pack with seven representatives, followed by Sturt and the Eagles with five each. This local flavor adds a sense of pride and community to the team, and it's a detail that I find especially interesting. It also raises a deeper question: how can local talent be better nurtured and developed to ensure a sustainable pipeline of players for the AFL?
The Final Cut
The West End State Squad will be trimmed to 23 players after training at the SANFL’s High Performance Centre at West Lakes. This final cut will be a crucial moment, where the team's true potential will be revealed. The squad will then travel to Perth, where they will face the WAFLW at 2.10pm SA time, followed by the main event, the West End State Team against the WAFL at 4.40pm. This is a huge opportunity for the team to showcase their skills and make a statement.
In my opinion, the 2026 West End State Squad is a team to watch. With a blend of experience and fresh talent, and a strong focus on early-season form, they have the potential to make a real impact. What this really suggests is that the SANFL is a hotbed of talent, and the future of Australian football looks bright. The question remains: can they translate their potential into success against the WAFL? Only time will tell, but I'm certainly excited to find out.
